WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
If you have been born again, it means you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. Congratulation, you’re a Christian, I mean a child of God. God is your Father and you’re His child. The word Christian means one is Christ-like. Many who answer Christians may not be able to say why they are one. The world also gets confused on who should be addressed as a Christian. Let us gain some understanding in our next discussion on the topic: who is a Christian?
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN ANYWAY?
A Christian is one who has experienced the love of Christ through putting faith in Jesus Christ. God’s love is sacrificial and unconditional as well as self-yielding. The Scripture says for God so loved the world that He gave His son, Jesus Christ to die for us. This type of love the Greek word ‘agape’ describes to carry deeper meaning than ‘ero’ [physical]. It’s active and not self-seeking. Christians are people who have imbibed God’s love and willing to share it with other people. Contributing to the 44th Baptist Church Pastors and Missionaries Conference, held at Arkansas, in March 1990, John Mooney asked: “Just who are the real Christians anyway?” He considered that: The real Christians are those who love God and love each other. In order to fully appreciate this consideration, Mooney quoted two authorities to help us understand the real meaning of God’s love. They are:
[i] God’ love is an exercise of the divine will in deliberate choice, made without any assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself. [ii] Godly love is God’s willful direction towards man. It involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessary what He knows. Agape is an unselfish, undiscriminating, choice based purely on the desires of God to bless those who could not and would not ever do anything to deserve His kindness.According to Mooney, it is this same kind of love that Paul says is a special gift of God to believers and which we are repeatedly commanded to exercise towards other people. Apostle Paul affirmed the response Jesus Christ gave when the Pharisees asked Him: “which was the greatest commandment?” Jesus said:
Thou shall love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and all thy mind. This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like unto it “thou shall love thy neighbor as thy self. On this two commandments hang all the laws and prophet [Matthews 22:37-40].
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another [John 13:34-35].
Apostle Paul also pointed out that:
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself [Galatians 5:14].
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of good conscience and of faith unfeigned [1 Timothy 1:5].
VARIOUS TYPES OF CHRISTIANS
The word “Christian” is often widely used in a loose manner to include all who go to church; members of church families and denominations. It could include those who claim to love and believe in God but are neither born again nor members of any Church denomination. People who gather for other purposes than public worship, to proclaim Christ love, Christ crucified and Christ resurrection have opted to answer Church and those attendees are Christians [Church people]. The question: who should be addressed as a Christian and the criteria by which a Christian is judged is begging for an answer. The word Christian is not found in the Old Testament. It is however recorded thrice in the New Testament:
…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch [Acts 11:26].
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, almost thou persuades me to be a Christian [Acts 26:28]
Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf [1 Peter 4:16].
Simply put, a Christian is the follower of Christ and the people of the Way. Interestingly, God reveals in his Word those who are called Christians. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch because they were Christ-like. “Its name could never be improved on because it identifies believers as followers of Jesus Christ…This should mold and shape our manner of behavior to be consistent with the way Jesus spoke and conducted Himself.” Unfortunately worldly people do not believe the Bible as the Word of God. They are biblical illiterates and cannot discern the things of God. However, writing in God’s principles for mending broken lives, Pastor Dr Jerry Falwell says, “becoming a Christian is an act of faith. Jesus Christ willingly died for our sins and calls upon us to trust Him as our personal Savior.”
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast [Ephesians 2:8-9]
In spite of this free offer, millions of people live as though the death and resurrection of Christ is of no effect. The effect of the cross of Christ is irrelevant to these groups of people. Some enjoy Church going and Church activities; sit in the pews and sanctuary practicing religion, but have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They recognize Christ as a unique teacher of the gospel but not as the Savior of the world. Some go to Church and are still members of secret societies and Eastern religion. They are Christians only on Sunday mornings and live their own life the rest of the week. They also do what worldly people do, saying: “we give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.” They want Christ, but resist the power of His resurrection. Many who are called Christians live as enemies of the cross of Christ. They’re doomed and their fate is eternal mysteries; glory in their shame, live according to their sexual appetites and boast and pride themselves on earthly treasures. They live as if the end is here, on earth [Philippians 3:18-19].
THE WORLD LOOKING FOR REAL CHRISTIANS
Little wonder, the world is confused about who should be called a Christian. They have seen Christians who sit on Church pews on Sunday morning and visit the native doctor’s shrine in the evening or go for armed robbery in the mid night and or fornicate with loose sex partners in the rest of the week. They have seen Christians who sexually molest infants. They have seen gay and lesbian Christians. They have seen Christians who watch pornographic pictures and lure youngsters on the Internet. The world watches with amazement members of the Church who are involved in white-collar robbery in high places.
They have witnessed Church denominations settled out of court cases for children molestation by their ministers. The world has seen God’s people deny Christ just to belong to the world. They have met Church people at the native doctor’s shrine and they profess God in their mouth and Satan in their hearts. The world is waiting for Christians whose lives and character shall testify Christ and make impact in our world. They have heard how the early Disciples of Christ changed their world; by the way they lived, proclaimed their faith and win souls for Christ. In the light of these qualities, where are these attributes among Christians today?
THE CRITERIA TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN
To become a Christian, believers must come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Such knowledge of Christ is what brings into existent a relationship that changes lives, people, attitude and circumstances. The question is: who should be addressed as a Christian and what are the criteria to identify them? I trust the best source for this truth should be the Scriptures. God reveals in His Word certain criteria to meet to become a Christian. Some of these are:
*Must Repent: Literally, repent means to change, turn around from old ways and make right about turn. Repentance is a process. You may not change everything at once, but can have a repentant attitude and turn to the right direction; living a new life of overcoming which means bearing fruits worthy of repentance. Repentance means to change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner self and live for His purpose.
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance [Matthew 3:8].
Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:38].
*Conversion: Surrendering yourself and turning your life over to God. Whosoever desires to become a Christian should be prepared to surrender fully his or her life to Christ, forsake the past and put God first. This calls for total commitment. Those who have undergone a true life’s changing process following hearing and conviction by the word of God [Acts 2:37ff]; they have had a life changing revelation with the Lord Jesus Christ and have turned around from darkness into glorious light of God.
Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord [Acts 3:19].
*Be little flocks that the Father’s good pleasure gives the kingdom. Those God had chosen and set apart before birth and has called by His grace; saw it fit and pleasing to reveal His son in them to proclaim Him as glad tidings-Gospel.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom [Luke 12: 32].
*Be my sheep: Those who have known the voice of the Master and answered to it. A shepherd tends a sheep. The sheep depends on the shepherd to meet all its needs, whether it’s food, water, inclement weather, illness or being infested by pest. Little wonder, the Psalmist sings, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me [John 10: 14, 27].
Be true worshippers: Those who do the will of the Father who is in heaven. Every true believer who worships God in truth and Spirit is a Christian. Not every worshipper is a true Christian [child of God].
God is Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth [John 4:24].
Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven [Matthew 7:21].
What things oever I command you, observe to do it; thou shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it [Deuteronomy 12: 32].
*As many as have received and welcome Him, He gave the authority [power, privilege and right] to become the children of God; those who believe in His name.
But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name [John 1:12].
*Those living by the word: They are friends of God and citizen of heaven who waits the coming of the Lord.
And Jesus answered him saying, it is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God [Luke 4: 4; Deuteronomy 8:3].
*Be my disciples: Disciples are those who have forsaken worldliness; are dead to flesh and alive to the Spirit. They include those who are saved and love the Lord [Luke 14:26-27, 33; Romans 6:6,7] and those who are citizens of God’s kingdom. They are God’s ambassadors, God’s stewards and world deliverers [Philippians 3:20; Romans 8:19].
If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children and brethren and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsake not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple [Luke 14:26, 27, 33].
The following day Jesus would go forth into Galilee and finds Philip and said unto him, follow me [John 1:43].
Baptism: He who believes and is baptized shall be saved [Mark 16:16]. Peter advised the men of Israelto repent and be baptized every one of them in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [Acts 2:38]. Baptism is not using water to put away the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ [1 Peter 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 10:2]. Baptism is a Christians’ way of identifying publicly with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world [Matthews 28:18-20].
And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still and they went down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him [Acts 8:36].
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized. And the same day, there were added unto them about three thousand souls [Acts 2:41].
The Greek word “baptizo” means to “dip or immerse” in water. This supports the Jewish practice of immersion. Some Christian denominations accept this as the only method. They hold to the belief that dipping one inside water signifies the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, nothing in the Scriptures condemns sprinkling of water. Little wonders why reforms tradition upholds the two methods. The important thing about baptism is the invocation of the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit [consecration] to set apart the water from every common use and trusting God to save the soul of the one who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior and submit self for the ordinance.
*Holy Spirit: One cannot become a Christian without God’s Spirit. He proceeds from the Father and the Son and is agent of new birth [John15: 26].
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. The wind blows where it listed, and thou hears the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it cometh and whither it goes; so is every one that is born of the Spirit [John 3: 5, 8].
But when the Comforter is come, whom I Will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, that proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with me from the beginning [John15:26-27].
But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uppermost part of the earth [Acts 1:8].
This I say then, Walk in Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if you are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law [Galatians 5:16-18].
He makes new creation in Christ; changes life to the image of Christ and seals until final redemption. The Spirit enables a Christian understand the things of God [1 Corinthians 2:11, 6:11; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph 1:13]. He flows from innermost being like a river and quicken us [John 6:38, 7:37-39]. The Holy Spirit gives life and liberty and impart power and gift to men [2 Corinthians. 3:6,17; Luke 24:49;1 Corinthians 12:1-11]. This Spirit of Truth abides among men forever and teaches all things; reproves the world and cast out devil [John14: 16,17; 16: 7-11; Matthew 12:28]. However the world cannot receive Him [John14:17]. He works in a Christian to provide power, love and sound mind [2 Tim 1:6-7].
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power [1 Corinthians 4:20].
…now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His [Rom. 8:9]
WITNESSING IS CHRISTIANS’ VOCATION
We are saved because somebody someday told us about Jesus. If we did not hear the Good News, we may have been living in darkness and groaning and travailing in pains and sorrow up till this day. God revealed His love to us so that we live it and through us others may come to God through faith in Christ. If we have found Christ, the solution to all human’s sins, we should not be reluctant to tell it to our families, relatives, friends and colleagues as well as neighbors; those living in immorality, in fears of life, in abject poverty and who are sick. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, to hear the truth about salvation [God’s saving grace].
Writing in, The whole world is waiting for you, Pastor Sunday Adelaja says, “Only God can deliver people from the curse of sin, from bondage to futility or whatever else it is that causes suffering. This is why God heals the sick, when they come to Church and deliver them from alcoholism and drug addition.” He added people need freedom, this freedom that only Christians have. Each one of us can testify how, when we turned to God and accepted Christ; we were set free from spiritual bondage. And this freedom that each one of us has is something that those in captivity to sin would like to have. As a matter of fact, that is what they have been searching for in wrong quarters. We are called to set the world free through the power of the Gospel. God saved us; has chosen us and entrusted us with other people’s destinies. As Christians, our vocation and our mission is to preach the Gospel and tell people about the love of God exhibited in Christ sufferings, death and resurrection.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he; before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I even I am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you; therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God [Isaiah 43:10-12].
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God hath given to them that obey him [Acts 5:30-32].
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and hearing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree… [Acts 10: 38-39]
DISCIPLESHIP IS GOD’S COMMISSION
Witnessing involves telling the story of our salvation; how Jesus’ death and resurrection saved mankind and us in particular. We are called to share our heartfelt faith in Christ: what He has personally done to change our lives. No one can tell our story better than ourselves. However, discipleship is summed up in the Great Commission. It’s more than being a believer; it’s about being a follower. There are great decisions to make and prices to pay. Discipleship include witnessing, bringing people in, training and exposing them to the love inside; mentoring, grooming them and sending them out to reach the unreached. We become the Gospel and letters that people read to become saved. When Andrew found Christ, he went first to invite his own brother Simon, whom Jesus named, Peter. Jesus Christ found Philip himself and Philip found Nathaniel [John1: 40-41, 43-45]. Since you became a Christian, have you brought people to Christ?
All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world [Mathews 28:18b-20].
He that loves his life shall loose it; and he that hated his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: If any man serves, him will my Father honor [John 12: 25-26].
Many who are called Christians today came from fetish backgrounds, if they trace from two and three generation down. They became Christians by the sacrifices of early missionaries who left the comfort of their advance world to seek lost soul in other less privileged worlds. Christianity has been likened to two beggars who went out in search of bread. One first found some quantity, tasted it to confirm it was bread and taste good. He rushed out to get his partner to join him. A Christian is one who was groping in the dark and has found glorious light. He has experienced much light that he can’t afford to keep quite but open up to invite others to the great light. You can’t be in the light and hide yourself, become selfish or complacent. Jesus came to save the world from sin. You can’t answer a Christian and neglect the work of Christ. Jesus died for lost souls. We can’t be nonchalant and complacent in seeking lost souls in a perishing world.
Christians are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works – to reveal the love of Christ to the lost world [Ephesians 2:10]. On the last day what matters to Christ is the work of saving souls. How would you feel that on the last day you have no soul in your harvest? God’s call on Christians is neither to play religion or ‘Churchanity.’ We’re not asked to win members but souls. The crazy chase and plight for membership has overtaken and overshadowed the call to seek for lost soul. Being a Church member is wonderful; everything we do – ushering members, teaching, prophesying, preaching, ministering in songs, visiting and caring for God’s house and people are excellent virtues. Of all these, the Great commission ask us to go and make disciples of all nations. In other words: go and reach out, bring them in, teach and mentor them and send them out. The Lord Jesus still says the harvest is great but the laborers are few. God depends on Christians as His laborers and co-harvesters of souls.
Christians are saved and delivered so that they may, through the power of the Gospel, set others free. The world is waiting to be saved by true Christians; waiting for the immeasurable love that can transform thieves, immoral people, drug addicts and alcoholics without punishment and imprisonment. They wait to receive the precious gift in life – transformation in human lives. Little wonder Apostle Paul after tasting the rich glory of the Father vowed, “Woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel; if I’m saved and doing nothing to get others saved” [1 Corinthians .9:6]. But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, … saved us by grace through faith in Christ Jesus… are God’s workmanship created in Christ to witness that same Christ [Ephesians 2:4-10].
[…] Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be dammed. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover [Mark 16:15-18].
These commands have been passed down to every believer to go in to the world, with the power and authority of Jesus Christ; preach the gospel to every creature: human beings, animals, demons, spirit and waters. You have the power in the name of Jesus to speak to the sun, moon, and stars; day and night as well as seasons and times.
But rise and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou has seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee. Delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee; to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Acts 26:16-18].
Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them for in doing this thou shall both save thyself and them that hear thee [1 Timothy 4:16].
Christians are not perfect people but just forgiven; they have put their trust in God who is perfect in all His way [Psalm 18:30]. They make mistakes and drift into sin; disagree with one another and sometimes loose their tempers but they understand how to rebound to God and ask for forgiveness and mercies. They are people called out by God’s unmerited favor despite their imperfections and inabilities to enjoy God’s unconditional love and mercy. They are sick people who have found a great Physician [Jesus Christ] and a caring hospital [The Church]. Some are outward patients while others with severe cases are on admission; among them we have those in critical care, in labor wards and in psychiatric unit, etc. They are making progress in health and shall soon be discharged to tell the world how the Lord Jesus healed them. This is witnessing – every Christian’s vocation. The destiny of millions of unsaved people depends on us Christians; because you have returned and made peace with your Maker, you now enjoy the power of His love, His grace and His mercies.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, or of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who has saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began…[1 Timothy 1: 6-9].
For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willing but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God…[Romans 8: 19-22].
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have not obtained mercy through their unbelief; even so have these also now not believed that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy…[Romans 11:30-32].
Are you a Christian? How many souls have you led to Christ? Can God depend upon you for proclaiming His Gospel? How many people have heard the story of how God saved you? How many have heard how God healed you from sickness? How have you witnessed to the world the glorious light that shines in you, the joy you share and the peace you enjoy in your heart? Someone needs to know how you found Christ and what you are still struggling with in your faith journey. Perhaps it’s your testimony that would change him or her.
A hymn writer, Francis Jane Van Alstyne, (The RevisedChurch Hymnary No. 682) wrote:
“Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave,
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen;
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.”
Be a witnessing Christian and help to change our world.